Delayed prosthetic seroma: a localized inflammatory response to COVID vaccination and infection?

ABSTRACT

We present a patient whom we believe developed a late abdominal mesh collection in response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination booster and COVID-19 infection. A polypropylene mesh was placed during her right breast reconstruction operation 2 years ago where she underwent a right transverse abdominis rectus muscle (TRAM) free flap. She recovered uneventfully from this operation. This lady, though vaccinated, developed respiratory symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19 infection 3 days after her booster injection. She then noticed right-sided abdominal swelling 3 days after the onset of respiratory symptoms. She only presented 1 month later due to a 7-day history of pain at the site of abdominal swelling. A computed tomography scan confirmed the presence of a seroma, and she underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage. A COVID Antigen Rapid Test of the fluid returned positive, though the PCR swab returned negative. There have been no published reports of periprosthetic mesh seroma after COVID-19 vaccination or infection to date. We wanted to share our experience so that other surgeons may be aware of this potential presentation given the current ongoing pandemic. Level of evidence Level V, risk/prognostic.